What Happens on the Cruise

43. DJ Blank Stare

Tim had fallen asleep in the middle of a movie, curled up on the couch with his head in Austin's lap. Austin had shut the movie off and was playing on his phone when Tim's phone rang. He picked it up and checked the caller ID. "Hey, Chris," he greeted, answering Tim's phone.

"Hi... Um... I did call Tim's phone, didn't I?" Chris asked.

"You did. He's asleep right now. I think he's got the flu. Do you need me to wake him up?"

"No, that's okay. I'm calling a Skype meeting tonight at eight central unless you two can't make it."

"I'll make sure Tim's awake for it."

***

"Should we start or should we wait for Adam?" Rob asked as he checked the time.

"Adam's going to be a couple minutes late," Chris said. "He and I had a long talk today, and I'm going to be sharing some of that with you guys, with his permission."

"That sounds really ominous," Austin commented. "He's not thinking of leaving, is he?" He couldn't help but think of Matt who'd left when he started his family.

"No, he's still very committed to us, but he is taking a couple months' break," Chris explained. "I know there had been some thought that he might be able to jump right in with The Sing-Off Tour, but he won't be joining us till March. I've got Heatbox lined up to take his place for those couple of weeks. It won't be the same, but he's good and we get along well."

"Is everything okay with Ericha?" Tim asked, his voice raspy. "Is that why he's taking such a long break?"

Chris shook his head. "It's actually Adam. Ericha's been worried about him for a while now and talked him into some family counseling. They had various questionnaires they both filled out beforehand." Chris ran a hand across his smooth head and sighed. "Adam's depression questionnaire was pretty grim. And from the conversation I had with him today, pretty accurate."

"Oh, wow," Rob murmured. "He doesn't seem that bad."

Chris nodded. "None of you guys know this, but Adam attempted suicide when he was a junior in high school. And he was going through a major depressive episode when I started Home Free. I probably would have started it anyway, but spending more time with Adam through that time was one of the considerations."

"Are we talking suicidal?" Austin asked.

"I don't know," Chris answered. "I think he's hanging on by his fingernails for Ericha, and the baby, and us. Ah. He's connecting now."

Adam's image popped up on screen. His eyes looked puffy like he'd been crying a lot, but he gave everyone a smile. "Hi, guys."

They all greeted him, trying to seem both normal and encouraging.

"So I know we don't usually do this, but I'd really like to start us with prayer tonight," Chris said.

They all made affirmative noises. Austin took Tim's hand as they bowed their heads. Chris's prayers always felt genuine and powerful to him, and this one was no different.

***

"Okay. This has been very productive, guys," Chris said. "Is there anything else?"

"I think we don't say it enough," Austin replied, "but I love all y'all, and not in a gay way -- okay, one of you in a gay way -- but I love you like brothers, and I would do anything for you."

Rob nodded. "Absolutely. You guys are so important to me. I hope you all know you only have to ask and I'm there."

"Me too," Tim said, his voice hoarse. "Sorry I've been kind of out of it tonight."